To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Definition of peppered moth
: a European geometrid moth (Biston betularia) that typically has white wings with small black specks but also occurs as a solid black form especially in areas where the air is heavily polluted by industry
Examples of peppered moth in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web As scientists led by Amy Eacock, a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, reported earlier this month, peppered moth caterpillars can soak in their surroundings and shift shades accordingly even when blindfolded.
—
Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, "These Caterpillars Can Detect Color Using Their Skin Not Their Eyes," 27 Aug. 2019 But the peppered moth caterpillar camouflages itself with its eyes closed, according to a new study.
—
Catherine Matacic, Science | AAAS, "Top stories: Skin-seeing caterpillars, a climate ‘reality check,’ and why cats eat grass," 9 Aug. 2019 In atmospheric paintings, Daniel Egnéus shows children ages 3-8 the response of the peppered moth to its changing surroundings.
—
Meghan Cox Gurdon, WSJ, "Children’s Books: The Island Girl & the Royal Plot," 21 June 2019
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'peppered moth.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on peppered moth
What made you want to look up peppered moth? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Semantic Drift Quiz
- Which of the following was once a synonym for fun?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
Share peppered moth
Time Traveler for peppered moth
The first known use of peppered moth was in 1766
See more words from the same year